Media Release

Update #9: West Lincoln Response to COVID-19

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2020

The Township of West Lincoln Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to be partially activated in response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Niagara Region.

Closures will remain in effect until May 4th, 2020, in keeping with the provincial announcement regarding school closures.

All Township buildings are closed to the public, though Township staff are still operating using telephone, digital capabilities and online presence to provide vital services to our community. Essential services are provided by pre-screened appointment only.

Playground and park facilities are closed until further notice. Under the provincial ‘state of emergency,’ non-essential workplaces, recreational programs, libraries, publicly funded schools, private schools, daycares, provincial parks, churches and other faith settings, as well as bars and restaurants (except those that restrict their service to takeout or delivery only) are to remain closed.

The province has launched a toll-free line to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health. Business owners with questions about what businesses are considered 'essential workplaces' can call 1-888-444-3659.

Updates:

In response to the dynamic growth of the COVID-19 pandemic, West Lincoln’s Emergency Control Group (ECG) is working to protect the safety of all our residents by sharing the latest local updates and information from regional, provincial and national health authorities.

1) Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, yesterday recommended all persons to stay home except for essential reasons, such as to:

  • Access health care services;
  • Shop for groceries;
  • Pick-up medication at the pharmacy;
  • Walk pets when required;
  • and support vulnrable community members with meeting the above needs

2) The Chief Medical Officer also stressed that, to the greatest extent possible, even these ‘essential trips’ should be minimized. People should avoid going shopping for a couple of items. Instead, try and buy sufficient groceries for two weeks, thereby minimizing the times you have to go out.

3) Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has put a COVID-19 Support Program in place to help producers, agribusinesses and food processors remain viable, including:

  • a deferral of principal and interest payments up to six months for existing loans; or a deferral of principal payments up to 12 months
  • access to an additional credit line up to $500,000, secured by general security agreements

Information:

  • The declaration of a Provincial Emergency and all Orders have now been extended and will be in effect until April 13th, 2020.
  • Physical distancing reduces exposure to other people. Avoid close contact (within 2 metres) with people outside of your immediate families.
  • On March 25, 2020, the federal government announced an Emergency Order under the federal Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. They should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days.
  • Take everyday steps to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and protect your health: wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer; sneeze and cough into your sleeve; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid contact with people who are sick; stay home if you are sick

Mayor Dave Bylsma stated,

“I want to stress how much Council and municipal staff appreciate the widespread adherence to the health care messaging on hand hygiene and distancing. Your patience and compliance will be the key factors in getting beyond this current pandemic crisis. Our focus is to continue providing information and leadership to residents so we come through this ordeal with no one left behind, physically, socially or financially. Only together will we be able to accomplish this goal.”

Media Contact

Dave Bylsma
Mayor
Township of West Lincoln
905.957.3346